In this jam-packed episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Coach Juan Ocampo—founder of Pro Soccer Academy and mentor to some of the top youth players in the state. Known for cultivating what he calls the “dog mentality,” Coach Juan shares the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to rise through the youth soccer system and develop not just talent, but true toughness.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

• Juan’s powerful journey from playing in the streets of Colombia to a professional stint with the Cosmos
• Why the years from 8–12 are the most important in player development
• The difference between being good and being dominant—and how to train like a pro
• His no-fluff philosophy on physical and mental discipline (yes, there are pushups involved!)
• The #1 trait every top player has in common (hint: it's not just talent)
• Why the support system behind a young athlete is often what makes or breaks their career
• What “quiet dog” energy is… and how Liam shows up with it
• Advice for kids who want to go pro and for parents who want to support them without hovering

Whether you're a parent, coach, or youth athlete, this episode is packed with game-changing insight that will challenge, inspire, and level you up.

🎧 Tune in now and hear how Coach Juan is helping shape the next generation of pros—one disciplined rep at a time.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹Ig @coachjuan123

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠⁠@Liamlinke93⁠

Follow on YouTube:YouTube: ⁠@liandmeinNYC⁠

ICoach Juan OCampo

http://prosocceracademy.net/

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 9 of The Soccer Ladder — streaming wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we're honored to be joined by the iconic Shep Messing — former U.S. Olympic goalkeeper, New York Cosmos star, broadcaster, and lifelong ambassador of the game. Known for his time alongside legends like Pelé and Beckenbauer, Shep brings not only decades of soccer experience but also unfiltered wisdom, powerful stories, and refreshing perspective on what the game is truly about.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The surprising truth: Shep didn’t start playing soccer until age 16
• How cross-training in multiple sports helped shape his unique path
• What it was really like to play with Pelé — on and off the field
• The moment that changed everything: Saving three penalty kicks to keep Pelé’s final season alive
• Why Shep believes American youth soccer is overcoached and under-inspired
• Lessons from Harvard to the Olympics — and how he learned to play with heart, not pressure
• Why goalkeepers need technique over exhaustion and the key to mastering reactions
• Shep’s powerful take on parents in youth soccer: "Drop them off and go get a coffee"
• What he really thinks about skipping college to go pro
• Locker room stories, Vaseline pranks, and a moment with Muhammad Ali

Key Takeaways:

• There’s no one-size-fits-all path in soccer — and Shep proves that sometimes the most unconventional journeys make for the best stories
• Creativity, courage, and joy are essential to growing as a player
• Mistakes are part of the game; it's how you respond that defines your character
• Let kids fall in love with the game on their terms
• Stars grow in teams, not solo. Whether you're a parent, coach, or player — it's all about the bigger picture

Quotes We’re Still Thinking About:

• "Dream big and never quit."
• "Every time someone yells what to do, it takes away your ability to think."
• "If you're good enough, they'll find you."
• "You can't let one setback define you."

This episode is filled with inspiration, honesty, and stories you won't hear anywhere else. Whether you're a player, parent, coach, or fan — this one's for you.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹 Instagram: @shepmessing

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93

Follow on YouTube:
YouTube: @liandmeinNYC

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 8 of The Soccer Ladder — streaming wherever you get your podcasts.

#TheSoccerLadder #ShepMessing #Pele #RedBullAcademy #SoccerStories #YouthSoccer #MLS #GoalkeeperTips #SoccerPodcast #ParentingAthletes

In this week’s episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Heath Pearce—a seasoned pro who’s played in the MLS, Germany’s Bundesliga, and earned 35 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Heath unpacks his journey from breaking his leg at age 16 to turning pro, what he’s learned from being cut, benched, and doubted—and how those moments shaped his mentality and career.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts, real talk about the emotional ups and downs of soccer, and tactical advice for navigating the complex journey from youth soccer to the pro level.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Heath’s journey through MLS, Bundesliga, and the U.S. National Team
• How to mentally handle setbacks like injury, being benched, or being cut from a team
• The importance of having short-, mid-, and long-term goals
• Why working backwards from your dream (and staying flexible) is the key to longevity
• Turning frustration with coaches into motivation and leadership
• The Red Bull System, club culture, and how it shapes the modern game
• Creating space for youth to stay in love with the game—even if they don’t go pro
• What parents can do to cultivate a soccer culture that supports long-term development
• Why curiosity is your competitive edge as a player—and how to develop it daily
• Advice for young athletes: being uncomfortable, setting micro-goals, and staying curious

Key Quote:
"A coach can make a player’s career—but they should never break it. Unless you let them." – Heath Pearce

Don’t Miss This If:
You’re navigating the pressures of competitive youth soccer, trying to go pro, or supporting a young athlete and want honest, experienced insight on what it really takes.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹 Instagram: @heathpearce
For Soccer: www.forsoccer.com

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93

Follow on YouTube:
YouTube: @liandmeinNYC

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

👇 Tune in now and learn what it really takes to climb the soccer ladder.

#TheSoccerLadder #YouthSoccer #MLS #SoccerParenting #HeathPearce #SoccerPodcast #RedBullAcademy #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #SoccerJourney #SoccerGoals

This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by former LA Galaxy striker Charlie Rugg—a standout athlete turned artist who shares his incredible soccer journey from small-town sports to winning an MLS Cup and beyond. ⚽🎨

Charlie opens up about:

• Growing up playing multiple sports and why that made him a better soccer player
• His early success as an All-American and first-round MLS draft pick
• The harsh transition from college to professional soccer—and what he wishes he had done differently
• Honest reflections on setbacks, self-belief, and the importance of being more than just an athlete
• Why watching the game is the most underrated tool for young players
• How life outside of soccer can actually make you better on the pitch

Plus, Charlie gives practical, real-talk advice to youth players (and parents!) about pressure, passion, and pursuing big dreams without losing your identity.

Whether you’re an aspiring pro or navigating the youth soccer world with your family, this episode is packed with wisdom, heart, and perspective you won’t find anywhere else.

🎧 Listen now to hear why Charlie says, “Don’t set your sights too low. Dream big—on AND off the field.”

🎧 Available now on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹 Charlie Rugg: ⁠@goodgamecharles⁠

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠⁠@Liamlinke93⁠⁠

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with John Velasco, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Temple University, to explore the journey from youth soccer to college — and even the pro level. From growing up in Plainfield to coaching at every level of the game, John's insight is invaluable for players and parents alike navigating the modern soccer landscape.

We talk about:

• John’s journey as a player and how an early injury changed his path
• The evolution of U.S. Soccer and the opportunities in today’s academy system
• How the college recruiting process really works (and what coaches are looking for)
• The traits every D1 athlete needs: time management, coachability, and mental resilience
• Why development isn’t linear — and how to thrive through setbacks
• The truth about highlight reels, TikTok, and getting noticed
• Why your GPA can be a game-changer when it comes to scholarships
• The role of mentorship, holistic development, and being more than just a player

Whether you’re a parent trying to support your child’s dream, or a young athlete chasing the next level, this episode is packed with the kind of advice you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Available now on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹 John Velasco: @Johnsebastian_

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93⁠

Temple Men's Soccer: https://owlsports.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/coaches/john-velasco/5182

#TheSoccerLadder #YouthSoccer #CollegeRecruiting #SoccerPodcast #JohnVelasco #TempleUniversity #D1Soccer #SoccerParents #SoccerJourney #AthleteMindset

Guest: Greg Garza – Former MLS & Liga MX Champion, U.S. National Team Player, Co-Founder of Beyond Goals Mentoring

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Garza, a player whose career has taken him across Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, and the U.S., winning championships in both MLS and Liga MX. Greg shares his incredible journey from moving to Brazil at just 12 years old to competing at the highest levels of professional soccer.

But what’s even more fascinating is what he’s doing now—helping the next generation of players navigate the highs and lows of the soccer journey through Beyond Goals Mentoring.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What it’s like to leave home at 12 to pursue a professional soccer career
✅ The biggest differences between playing in Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S.
✅ Why hunger, resilience, and leadership matter more than talent
✅ How to handle pressure in high-stakes matches
✅ What separates elite youth players from those who fall off the path
✅ Why coachability, body language, and attitude are game-changers

Greg’s insights go beyond soccer—this episode is packed with valuable lessons about adversity, mindset, and personal growth.

⚡ If you’re a young player, parent, or coach, this episode is a must-listen!

🎧 Listen now!

📲 Follow us here:

🔹 Greg Garza: @gmgarza

🔹 Beyond Goals Mentoring: @beyondgoalsmentoring

🔹 Megan linke : @liandmeinnyc

🔹Liam: @Liamlinke93

#TheSoccerLadder #Podcast #GregGarza #BeyondGoalsMentoring #SoccerMindset #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer #EliteAthleteMindset

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Julian Valerio, founder of Fundamental Ball Academy, to talk about youth player development, soccer IQ, strength training, and the importance of a well-rounded approach to the game. With a rich soccer background, including playing at a high level in the U.S. and abroad, Julian shares his insights on what it takes for young athletes to elevate their game and stand out.

⚽ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Julian’s soccer journey from a D3 All-American to a Hall of Famer
• The role of soccer IQ and how young players can develop their game awareness
• How strength, conditioning, and flexibility impact player performance
• The importance of nutrition, rest, and recovery for long-term success
• Why mindset, attitude, and coachability are key factors in player development
• How young players can handle pressure, adversity, and setbacks in the game
• The difference between playing for fun vs. playing to go pro

🔹 Memorable Moments:

✔️ Julian’s insights on soccer development today vs. when he was growing up

✔️ Why effort and attitude are the two things players can control

✔️ His perspective on balancing training volume with quality and recovery

✔️ The importance of playing freely, making mistakes, and learning from them

✔️ His advice for young players and parents navigating academy soccer

🎧 If you’re a soccer parent or a young athlete looking to level up, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Let us know what resonated with you the most.

📲 Follow Julian Valerio & Fundamental Ball Academy:

🔹Julian Valerio: (@)

🔹 ⁠⁠⁠Megan⁠⁠⁠- (@liandmeinnyc)

🔹⁠⁠⁠ Liam:⁠⁠⁠ (@Liamlinke93)

And if you want more on Liandmeinnyc go to our ⁠⁠⁠website here⁠

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we welcome NFL legend Vernon Davis! As a Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler, and one of the greatest tight ends in the game, Vernon shares his incredible journey from high school football to the NFL and beyond. He talks about the mindset, work ethic, and dedication required to succeed in professional sports and offers valuable advice for young athletes dreaming of going pro.

🏈 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Vernon overcame his fears and started football in 8th grade
• The moment he realized football could be his career
• His iconic game-winning catch against the New Orleans Saints
• How he handled doubt, setbacks, and pressure at the highest level
• His NFL Draft experience and what it felt like to be a top pick
• His best advice for young athletes & their parents
• Why hard work & dedication are non-negotiables for success
• What Vernon is doing after football—from real estate to acting

🔹 Memorable Moments:

✔️ Vernon’s inspiring mindset—how he trained, prepared, and pushed himself to greatness

✔️ The power of belief, resilience, and surrounding yourself with the right people

✔️ His hilarious story about being "too scared" to wear a football helmet

✔️ The balance between coaching & parenting as his son follows in his footsteps

✔️ His new ventures—from flipping houses to filmmaking

🎧 Don’t miss this incredible conversation with one of the most inspiring athletes out there!

👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—let us know your favorite takeaway!

📲 Follow Vernon Davis & The Podcast:

🔹⁠ Vernon Davis⁠:⁠ (@Vernondavis85)

🔹 ⁠⁠Megan⁠⁠- (@liandmeinnyc)

🔹⁠⁠ Liam:⁠⁠ (@Liamlinke93)

And if you want more on Liandmeinnyc go to our ⁠⁠website here⁠